Óeðlilega

óeðlilega is an Icelandic adverb meaning unusually or abnormally, used to describe something that deviates from what is natural, normal, or expected. It typically modifies adjectives, adverbs, or clauses and signals that a phenomenon is out of the ordinary. In formal writing it is common and in everyday speech it can carry a mild negative or surprising nuance depending on context.

Etymology and form: The adverb is formed from the negated adjective óeðlilegur (unusual, abnormal) with the adverbial suffix -lega, yielding óeðlilega. The base adjective has gendered forms (óeðlilegur, óeðlileg, óeðlilegt), while the adverbial form remains invariable as óeðlilega.

Usage notes: Óeðlilega often appears in descriptive contexts such as weather, behavior, or outcomes, where the speaker wants to emphasize deviation from the ordinary. It can convey neutrality in scientific or observational language, but may also imply surprise or skepticism in informal use.

Examples:

- Veðrið var óeðlilega kalt í dag. (The weather was unusually cold today.)

- Hann var óeðlilega seinn til fundar. (He was unusually late for the meeting.)

- Verkið reyndist óeðlilega erfitt. (The task proved unusually difficult.)

Related terms: eðlilegur (normal, natural), óeðlilegur (unusual, abnormal), eðli (nature, character). Óeðlilega is the common adverbial form used to express deviation from normality in Icelandic.